President Bola Tinubu has hailed coach of Nigeria’s D’Tigress, Rena Wakama, following her recognition as the best manager of the 2024 Olympic Women’s Basketball Event.
Olympic organisers named Wakama the best coach after she guided D’Tigress to the tournament quarter-finals for the first time in its history. The team became the first African team to attain such feat, whether male or female.
However, the team lost to the firepower of gold-winning United States of America in the quarter-finals.
In a statement on Monday, by Ajuri Ngalale, presidential spokesperson, Tinubu said Wakama’s recognition by FIBA further “accents her well-established leadership qualities and dedication to excellence”.
The president urged D’Tigress “not to relent or become crestfallen but remain resilient and determined for greatness”.
Tinubu also commended members of the Nigerian contingent for their “good sportsmanship, discipline, and sacrifice” at the Olympics.
He thanked the athletes for their service to the country and wished them well.
Team Nigeria had 88 athletes across 12 sports and could not secure any Olympic medals.
The outing was the country’s worst Olympics performance since London 2012.
